The Gambia: SOS and UNICEF Program Graduates 19 Students 

Gambia students Graduation
An SOS social work program graduate receives her certificate in Bakoteh, The Gambia.
May 26, 2011: On May 5, 2011, SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia held a graduation ceremony for 19 students in the area of social work. The social work certificate program was initiated through the collaboration of the government of The Gambia, SOS Children’s Villages and UNICEF in response to the growing demand for social work practitioners in the country and region. The program also strives to enhance the delivery capacities of those already performing social work services.

The graduation ceremony for the social work program took place at the SOS Children’s Villages Regional Mothers and Adult Training Center in Bakoteh. In operation since 2006, the SOS Center builds the personal and professional skills of SOS Mothers and Aunties in the region where SOS operates a total of 15 Children’s Villages. 

Gambia student graduation
The 2011 graduating class for the SOS social work program in Bakoteh, The Gambia.
Mrs. Julieta Mendes, Program Development Advisor for SOS Children's Villages in the North/West Africa Region, spoke at the ceremony and reminded the graduates of the importance of their future work: "We are sending you out into a complex world of challenges. Be a good ambassador of the profession and our institution."

The US Ambassador to The Gambia, also in attendance to witness this important day, expressed her encouragement and shared her positive impression: "When I return to America, I will not be talking about what Americans are doing in Africa but what Africans are doing in Africa." 

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